Forlan admits difficult Inter start

Porto Alegre (Brazil), Jan 7 (IANS) Uruguay international striker Diego Forlan has admitted he endured a tough start to his career at Brazilian football club Internacional.

Forlan joined the club six months ago but failed to recapture the form that won him the best player award at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He found the back of the net on just five occasions in 19 games, reports Xinhua.

Now, with a full pre-season training program ahead of him, the veteran is hoping for a more productive 2013 as he looks to guarantee his place in Uruguay's 2014 World Cup squad.

"The start to my Inter career was not how I imagined. Scoring goals is a characteristic of mine. I have more chances this year to do that," he said.

Despite being in the twilight of his career, the 33-year-old revealed he is still focused on representing Uruguay at the next World Cup.

"We (Uruguay) still have to qualify. The expectation is growing because the World Cup is getting closer. It would be great but we know qualification will not be easy," he said.

Forlan has represented Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan in a glittering career which has seen him score over 200 goals. The striker now hopes to recreate some of his European success with his new club.